News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Leman Criticizes Veto of Environmental Audit Bill

For Immediate Release: May 9, 1997 Contact: Senator Loren Leman 907/465-2095

Juneau -- Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage) tonight sharply criticized Governor Knowles' veto of Senate Bill 41, legislation encouraging businesses to conduct environmental compliance audits.

"Governor Knowles’ veto of SB 41 shows again that this Administration does not negotiate in good faith," stated Leman. "For two years we have been at the table with his Department of Law and Department of Environmental Conservation, working to craft a bill that meets their approval. When the bill was transmitted to the Governor, we were assured that all their concerns had been addressed. His decision to reject the compromise worked out by his own appointees smacks of political pettiness."

Leman noted that SB 41 passed the Legislature with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. "This was a consensus bill, supported by the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, and virtually every trade and industry group in the state," Leman said. "The Governor claims he wants to make Alaska 'open for business', but his veto of SB 41 shows that we can't even 'do business' with this Administration."

Twenty other states have enacted legislation similar to SB 41, granting limited immunity and/or qualified privilege for individuals, businesses, and public institutions that conduct environmental audits and promptly correct any noncompliance that is discovered. "In other states these laws have worked to improve compliance with the law and protect our environment," Leman commented. "This is a common sense approach, where government and business work as partners in protecting the environment, not as antagonists. The Governor made a mistake in vetoing this legislation."

The Legislature will meet in joint session to consider overriding the veto.

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Broadcast Note: Radio actualities are available by calling 800/478-6540.